ATKINS — When the fists start flying in the make-shift boxing ring David “Diamond” Dream Beck has set up in his yard, Arkansas Junior Olympic champion Sarah Freeman can be found right in the middle of the action.

The 11-year-old has been boxing since she was 7, and has been pulling in the accolades ever since. Freeman won the Golden Gloves last year in North Little Rock, and the Arkansas Junior Olympic championship on April 6 in Crossett. Freeman was awarded a medal for best fight of the night during her championship bout.

Despite the string of successes, it hasn’t been an easy road for Freeman. Her record sits at 3-7, and the girl she defeated in the Junior Olympic match bested her three times prior.

“The reason her record is what it is because she’s fought some of the national champions,” Beck explained. “As well as some of the best fighters in the state.”

Freeman wins when it counts — including her first match when she was 7.

“I was really nervous,” she said. “But I won. It surprised me because I didn’t know what I was doing, really. It was my first match so I was like ‘what am I doing?’. That’s what I remember the most about it.”

Freeman said her confidence levels have improved since she began boxing, although many of her classmates don’t believe she is involved in the sport.

“I guess they don’t believe a girl can do a sport like this,” she said. “I think a girl can do just as much as a boy can do. Maybe even better.” Beck described Freeman as “tenacious” in the ring — something that may surprise her non-believing classmates.

“She fights with aggression and movement,” he said. “She’s a busy fighter and a real technical fighter.” But for Freeman, it isn’t about being technical or winning awards. It’s all about one thing: having fun.

“It just sounded like a fun sport to do,” she said. “And now it’s fun because I know I ain’t going to get hurt. My coaches ain’t going to let me get hurt. I just love getting in there and doing something fun that I like to do.” Beck’s Dream Team Boxing meets everyday at 5 p.m. at his house to practice. Participates show up with nothing but a mouth guard and all equipment is provided to them. Beck teaches participants to box at no cost to them, but enrollment in USA Boxing events costs 50 dollars per year. Freeman said she will continue fighting for as long as she can.